25 Christmas Prayers – Day 21

December 21, 2011

photo by Billy Alexander at www.sxc.hu

Day 21 – Jehovah-Sabaoth, The Lord of Hosts

Lord, in your strength nothing is impossible. At Your command, a thousand angels would rush to our defense if You so desired to send them. You are Jehovah-Sabaoth, the Lord of hosts. Read more

25 Christmas Prayers – Day 17

December 17, 2011

photo by Alex Bruda at www.sxc.hu

Day 17 – Elohim, The Creator

Lord, our thoughts are often filled with the ugliness of the world. But it was not You who erased the beauty. Read more

25 Christmas Prayers – Day 13

December 13, 2011

photo courtesy of Billy Alexander, at sxc.hu

El-Shaddai, The All-Sufficient One – Day 13

Lord, everything our hearts will ever need, we can find in You. You are El-Shaddai, a God who dreams impossible dreams–and accomplishes them through Your believing children. Read more

25 Christmas Prayers – Day 12

December 12, 2011

photo courtesy of Billy Alexander, at sxc.hu

Day 12 – Adonai, the Lord

It’s so easy to call you “Lord,” yet sometimes difficult to follow You in complete obedience. Jesus, some see You only as a man; others call you Savior. But You are also our “Adonai, Lord,” the blessed controller of our lives every day. Read more

10 Simple Truths/Lessons We Can Learn from 9/11

September 11, 2011

Image via Wikipedia

What have you learned from 9/11? None of us will ever be the same since that day. We’ve all been profoundly touched in some way. Many of those changes were negative. But today, on the 10th anniversary of 9/11, here are at least ten simple, positive truths we can glean from this tragedy:

1. Miracles still happen
2. Little things matter
3. Heroes are real people
4. People do care about each other
5. Life is precious
6. God brings good out of evil, and our only hope still lies in Him
7. Courage makes a difference
8. Love ones seem dearer; heaven seems nearer
9. Crisis can bring unity
10. Make every moment count; today may be all you have

No doubt that list will grow, as you add your own lessons and truths. Most of these we knew already; but 9/11 both reinforced and magnified them. Last year I shared a poetic reflection called “If Only We Had Known, that also expressed some simple truths.

Tomorrow is another day. The anniversary memorials will cease, and life will continue as usual. But the lessons we learn will stick with us, if we let them. Like a well-read novel, the takeaway will emerge and contribute to who we are, and to the person we can become, if we let God define the wisdom.

“But as for you, you meant evil…but God meant it for good (Genesis 50:20, NKJV).

“For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:6, NIV).

Simple Prayer for Today:

Lord, we cry out in solemn remembrance of that day ten years ago–a day indeliby written on our hearts. Comfort those who lost loved ones and friends; draw near to those whose lives changed forever by the cruelty of others.

Jesus, our only hope is in You. Help us to sow love instead of hatred. May we never forget the lessons You taught us–and help us to trust You for the answers we can’t seem to find. Make us wise, as we look to You for direction. Help us trust You for the courage to go on, one day at a time. Equip us to make a difference in Your world. Our nation is in Your hands. Keep us close to You, for it truly is in God we must trust.

What about you? What lessons did you learn from 9/11? Or what truths did that event reinforce for you? Please share your comments below. Your words might encourage someone today! You will not be hounded, prodded, or automatically added to my mailing list if you do so. Feel free to email this blog to someone or to re-post on social media, using the buttons below. If you want to re-post any of my blogs on your own blog or website, please contact me for permission first. And if you’d like to, you can sign up for my blog/newsletter and updates at the top of this website page/sidebar. Your e-mail address will never be sold or given to anyone!